Other noteworthy regulatory developments week ending 9 April 2021 from the Assembly Analyst team
In the UK, the CMA has established the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) to monitor competition in digital markets. The DMU will not have formal powers until new legislation is passed, but the Government has provisionally set it up to carry out preparatory work to implement the future statutory regime. The DMU will start building teams with the relevant capabilities, gather evidence on digital markets, and advise the Government on the shape of the new regime. The Government has committed to consulting on the legislative proposals during 2021 – expected in this quarter.
In Germany, BNetzA has launched a consultation on AI in network industries. This is part of Germany’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which aims to ensure responsible research, development, and application of AI. BNetzA notes that the use of AI in network infrastructure raises specific questions, and wants to discuss current and future uses of AI with market players. The regulator will also discuss the findings of the consultation in a future workshop. The consultation is open until 19 May 2021.
